Physical & Occupational Therapy
Catalina Island Health’s Therapy Services Department provides inpatient care in the acute care hospital setting and community care in the outpatient setting and the home.
Experienced physical therapists provide care for individuals with a variety of injuries and/or illnesses. By integrating skilled treatment techniques with patient and caregiver centered goals and education, our therapists help return patients to their highest level of functioning.
New Outpatient PT/OT Facility and Fitness Center
Located in the Atwater Arcade
119 Sumner Ave, Suite E
Avalon CA 90704
To make an appointment, please call (310) 510-0096 Ext 229
Meet the Therapists
Natalie Latshaw, PT, DPT
Natalie Latshaw, PT, DPT is Catalina Island Health's permanent physical therapist for our outpatient therapy clinic, as well on the hospital floor. Natalie is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She has a variety of clinical expertise and experience in sports and orthopedics, vestibular and balance disorders, concussion screening and treatment, acute hospital care, long term hospital rehabilitation, and a growing interest in pediatric care.
Avery Joharchi, OTR/L, PT, DPT
Avery Joharchi is a Huntington Beach native who attended Long Beach State with a Sport Psychology degree. Following, she studied in San Diego at the only school in the nation to offer a dual degree program (Master’s in Occupational Therapy and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy). She has a vast background in treating hands, orthopedic and neurological patients. She loves treating individuals at any age and empowering them to live life to their fullest. In her free time, she practices yoga, hikes, snorkels, enjoys traveling and has a love for all animals, especially cats and dogs.
Lauren Mandelkow, PT
Lauren is a New York native who graduated from Utica University with an undergraduate degree in Health Studies and a doctorate in Physical Therapy. She loves to work with people in the clinic and hospital to help them achieve their goals through personalized care plans. Lauren enjoys running, hiking, biking, and yoga.
Zack Leader, PT, DPT
Zack is a travel physical therapist from Rochester, NY. Zack is a graduate of Utica University’s doctorate of physical therapy program. He has clinical experience in outpatient physical therapy clinics, working with patients of all ages, as well as in an acute care hospital setting and a nursing home. Zack has experience with patients with a variety of injuries and conditions, including neurological, vestibular, orthopedic, and cardiac disorders. Zack has a growing interest in working with athletes.
Oscar Bastida, PT Aide
A native of Avalon, Oscar Bastida has an undergraduate degree in exercise science from Utah Tech University. He’s excited to be back on the island working with patients and plans to get his doctorate in physical therapy. Oscar is fluent in Spanish and enjoys being in the ocean, playing sports, doing yoga, and coaching youth sports.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists evaluate and treat patients to improve their strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and mobility skills. Treatment focuses on:
- Spine and extremity rehabilitation
- Sports rehabilitation
- Joint and soft tissue mobilization
- Functional mobility training
- Gait and balance training
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Therapeutic exercise
- Aerobic conditioning
- Pain evaluation and treatment
- Equipment prescription (ambulation devices and orthoses) and training
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists assess and treat patients to help them develop, recover, or maintain daily activities. By working to recover physical, sensory, or cognitive ability, occupational therapy helps those recovering from injury, illness, or disability live life to the fullest. Occupational therapy may benefit those with:
- Sensory processing disorders
- Traumatic injuries (brain or spinal cord)
- Arthritis
- Post-surgical conditions
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Chronic illnesses
Fitness Center
Catalina Island Fitness & Physical Therapy is a public, state-of-the-art CI Health Fitness Center in the Atwater Arcade to help residents stay active and fit. Discounted rates are available for Catalina Island residents holding subsidy cards. For more information on how to become a member, pricing and passes visit catalinaislandfitness.com.
Open Every Day 7AM-7PM
* Closed on Holidays
119 Sumner Ave, Suite E
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-5152
